Handheld CB radio?

I have a Cobra handheld... never really used it much. It works in a pinch but you pretty much have to be right next to the person you are talking to, unless you mount an external antenna.

Another issue is, with the handheld you are asking for trouble if you hold it and talk into it while driving (distracted driving and all that yada yada yada).

I’d just get a regular cb, they are easy to install. In fact most trucks come prewired, just a matter of connecting the wires in your dash to the wires on the cb.

 

I've seen fellas play with the handhelds in the truck stops--- they didn't impress me much--- I hauled a lot of oversize and a truck mounted radio is nice to have.

 

it won't be useful beyond the length of the truck. A waste of money.

 

I have a couple from over the years.
An old maxon which we used to back in drivers to tight stages and a MIDLAND 75-822.
Midland is used when the slip seat truck I use doesn't have a radio but has an antenna. It's a small unit good for temporary work with the short flexible antenna that comes w it but would never replace a real radio.

75-822 Portable/Mobile CB Radio - Midland Radio

Just get a cobra w a swr meter and an antenna and be done. Under 100 bucks.

 

You're better off with a full size in the truck. Limited range and battery burn makes a handheld a poor substitute for a full size. I've only found two situations where a handheld makes sense.

Some yards communicate with the drivers by CB. Having a handheld allows you to leave the truck to take a leak, take out the trash or inspect the truck and still be in touch.

While training drivers it allows you to communicate with the trainee to help them back into a gate or otherwise supervise them while out of the truck. You don't need to keep track of two walkie talkies and only burn batteries half as fast. .

 

I have one of those. Seems to work as good as any in the truck.
When I was researching it. Many opinions if you use it as handheld. Get a different antenna. There was one that worked great. The supplied antenna. Forget it.

 

If you get a handheld, make sure it has the mic that wraps over your shoulder and then, any time you’re outside the truck have it on and wear a white hard hat. Then, everyone will think you’re the big cheese at that joint.

 

ROFLMAO